For Paul on His Birthday

“it’s a great life

if you don’t weaken,”

you once told me

I have taken that

with all else you have

generously bequeathed

I have tried so

not to disappoint

to advance the important

to know the difference

between what matters

and what doesn’t

you would not like it now

they have torn down much of

what you have so fearlessly built

they are never satisfied with their own

as they continue to pick

at the success you have attained

I will carry on as your son

heir to your legacy of caring

combating their selfish greed

it is a great life

I will not weaken

I only wish I could show you

what I have done

with what you have given me

to thank you for all of it

Mark Russillo